Ron DeSantis, the self-proclaimed champion against “woke” culture, went from being a rising star to a failed White House hopeful. The Florida governor’s attempt to embody Trumpism without the tumult of the twice-impeached former president turned out to be a political rollercoaster with more downs than ups.
DeSantis, once the sweetheart of US conservatives, aimed to challenge “woke” politicians, businesses, and professors, accusing them of imposing progressive ideologies on Americans. His initiatives included expanding gun rights, imposing restrictive abortion laws, and banning classroom discussions on sexuality and gender identity, which led to a purge of books from school libraries. Yet, his efforts to out-Trump Trump fell short.
Despite holding onto second place in the polls for months, DeSantis couldn’t compete with the enduring appeal of the real MAGA movement. While his policies sparked outrage, they also earned applause within conservative circles, temporarily boosting his national exposure. However, this proved insufficient on the broader political stage, where DeSantis often appeared out of place, hampered by his aversion to the social aspects of a presidential campaign.
The governor’s campaign was further marred by excessive spending and a reliance on a close circle of advisors, primarily anchored by his wife, Casey DeSantis. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, born on September 14, 1978, DeSantis, a Yale and Harvard Law School graduate, began his political career in 2012, winning a seat in the US House of Representatives after serving in the US Navy.
DeSantis’s political journey peaked during Florida’s 2018 gubernatorial election when he secured Trump’s endorsement and narrowly won despite Republican losses elsewhere. A landslide reelection in 2022 set the stage for a White House bid. However, his once-amicable relationship with Trump soured over time, with the former president dubbing him “Ron DeSanctimonious.”
As doubts swirled around Trump’s electability due to legal troubles, DeSantis failed to seize the opportunity. Missteps, including a feud with Disney and a controversial six-week abortion ban, raised concerns about his readiness for the presidency. By the time of the Iowa caucuses, where he trailed Trump, Washington insiders were already writing off DeSantis.
His withdrawal from the race, less than two days before the New Hampshire primary, reflected the stark reality of his diminishing chances. When asked if he would continue using the moniker “Ron DeSanctimonious,” Trump quipped, “That name is officially retired,” eliciting laughter from the audience.
